The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning

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Sprinkling homemade taco seasoning into a jar

We’ve searched far and wide for a taco seasoning that’s perfectly smoky, savory, flavorful, and made with recognizable ingredients. In this search, we’ve felt like Goldilocks! Some were too sweet, some too salty, until we gave up and decided to make a homemade version. And it was just right!

Here she is, our new favorite DIY taco seasoning, ready to be the star of your next taco Tuesday (or spice up your favorite protein or potatoes)! Let us show you how!

Bowls of nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, coconut sugar, cumin, chipotle powder, and salt

How to Make Taco Seasoning

Chances are you’ve seen (and used!) those packets of taco seasoning conveniently staring you down from grocery stores shelves. Us too!

But with a well-stocked spice drawer, 5 minutes, and 1 bowl, you can make it exactly to your preference at a fraction of the price! And without anti-caking agents, inflammatory oils, or other less-desirable ingredients.

Ground spices and salt in a bowl before mixing

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chili powder – we like using a homemade blend when we have it around, but store-bought blends work, too! For brands without anti-caking agents, try checking the bulk section and/or health food stores.
  • Nutritional yeast – enhances all the flavors while also supplying some B vitamins!
  • Coconut sugar – provides a slightly caramelized natural sweetness to complement the smoky + spicy elements
  • Sea salt – included for a similar convenience to store-bought packets, but it could be left out and added when making a dish, if preferred!
  • Smoked paprika – for smokiness
  • Chipotle powder – for a rich, smoky heat
  • Garlic & onion powders – for savory notes
  • Cumin – to round out the classic taco seasoning flavors!

Simply combine all the ingredients in a jar or a bowl and shake or stir to evenly distribute the spices. One batch makes about three packets’ worth of taco seasoning, so you’ll be well-stocked for upcoming taco nights!

Stirring together spices to make homemade taco seasoning

We hope you LOVE this DIY taco seasoning! It’s:

Smoky
Savory
Subtly spicy
Balanced
Flavorful
& SO versatile!

It’s especially perfect for seasoning your favorite protein (tofu, smashed chickpeas, chicken, and more!), but it wouldn’t say no to veggies either (especially potatoes or sweet potatoes).

This homemade taco seasoning would also make the perfect gift for taco-loving friends and busy parents or party favor for taco gatherings (because adults like party favors, too!). Taco Tuesday, here we come!

More DIY Spice Mixes

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

Overhead shot of a jar of homemade naturally sweetened taco seasoning next to ingredients used to make it

The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning

The BEST homemade taco seasoning — perfectly smoky, savory, sweet, and spicy! SO versatile, naturally sweetened, and just 5 minutes, 1 bowl, and 9 ingredients required.
Author Minimalist Baker
Print
Holding a spoonful of DIY taco seasoning above a jar
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 9 (~1 Tbsp servings)
Course Helpful How-to, Spice Blend
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan
Freezer Friendly 1 year
Does it keep? 6 months

Ingredients

Instructions

  • To a jar with a lid (or a medium mixing bowl), add all of the ingredients and shake (or stir) well to combine. We like to try to break down the nutritional yeast as much as possible to disperse it evenly! Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding more chipotle powder for heat, coconut sugar for sweetness, smoked paprika for smokiness, or salt to taste.
  • Use as a seasoning on any taco protein you can think of! It would taste great on roasted potatoes, too.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months or in the refrigerator or freezer for 1 year.

Notes

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with Bragg’s nutritional yeast, the lesser amount of salt, and with our unsalted Homemade Chili Powder. Vitamin content may vary depending on the brand of nutritional yeast used.

Nutrition (1 of 9 servings)

Serving: 1 tablespoon Calories: 21 Carbohydrates: 4.2 g Protein: 0.9 g Fat: 0.3 g Saturated Fat: 0 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0 g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 524 mg Potassium: 52 mg Fiber: 0.7 g Sugar: 2.4 g Vitamin A: 315 IU Vitamin C: 0.2 mg Calcium: 13 mg Iron: 0.8 mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

Tag @minimalistbaker on Instagram and hashtag it #minimalistbaker so we can see all the deliciousness!

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    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Becky, it would still be tasty, but more like a chili seasoning in flavor. Hope that helps!

  1. Kate Johnson says

    I’ve been looking for a good homemade taco seasoning recipe, and this one looks simple yet flavorful. Can’t wait to try it! Do you have any favorite dishes you like to use this seasoning in besides tacos?

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Kate, we also love using it to season tofu, chickpeas, chicken, potatoes, or sweet potatoes. Let us know what you think when you give it a try!

  2. Jean says

    Yes! Approved by non-vegan hubby! I used brown sugar instead of coconut sugar and left out the chipotle powder. One tablespoon on about a pound of meatless ground beef, green peppers, onion and brown rice for tacos. Will be using this again!

  3. Mamo says

    Hello, can you let me know where you bought your spice jar? It looks like the perfect size for this recipe. Thanks for your help.

  4. GIna Nicholson says

    My daughter has IBS and is on a FODMAP diet. Can you suggest a substitute for the garlic and onion powders?

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Gina, you could try subbing a little bit of asafeotida powder or leave them out. Hope that helps!

  5. CrunchyCake says

    Your timing is amazing! I just used up my last batch of homemade taco seasoning and was planning on looking for a new recipe this week. Thank you!

  6. Christine says

    Is the nutritional information just for the spice mix? 74 calories in a tablespoon seems really high.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Christine, great catch! We’ll get that adjusted. It should be 21 calories per serving.